I struggle and I rise

The storm tide at All Saints 1570 expels Anna van Breda from her farm in Friesland. She moves in with family in Delft. She takes part in the resistance against the Spaniards; one of her sons has joined the Sea Beggars.
Her life story is accompanied by explanations about the political and military developments in the Eighty Years’ War. The fact that the main character has English family by marriage offers the opportunity to paint a picture of the competition with and cooperation between Holland and England.
Anna also has children and grandchildren are active in trade, attempts at colonizing the Gold Coast and expeditions to the poles.

Trivia:

Is continued in 'Old Amsterdam' and 'I Shall Maintain'.
Also published as 'The Valiant Lady'.